THEMA

Master's in Economics

Idefferrard — 2025-10-10T12:13:08Z

Master's in Economics : Economic Analysis with ESSEC Business School

Master 2 EA : Overview

Idefferrard — 2016-12-30T23:12:00Z

The Master 2 in Economic Analysis is a joint program between CY Cergy Paris Université and ESSEC Business School. It offers high quality training in economics in a one-year program, where all courses are taught in English. Its purpose is to prepare for further studies in a PhD program. Therefore, the program focuses on economic theory as well empirical methods. The content of the courses is available here.

This program is the sequel of the Master 1 Economie Quantitative from CY Cergy Paris Université. The information on the Master 1, which is taught in French, can be found here.

The Master 2 in Economic Analysis is part of a Ph.D. program in Economics of ESSEC Business School, in partnership with CY Cergy Paris Université. Students who have successfully completed the master program may demand admission to the Ph.D. program. They are also eligible to apply to the doctoral program at CY Cergy Paris Université.

Students gain a mastery of quantitative methods (optimization, econometrics, simulation methods) and the basic concepts of the individual choice theory and the micro and macroeconomic equilibrium. Specialization courses address current and advanced research in applied fields.

The training in research follows international standards of scientific quality in economy. Fluency in English facilitates the research activity, which is international in nature.

The two partner institutions have a strong scientific visibility. According to international rankings, CY Cergy Paris Université is among the very best French universities, while ESSEC is among the French business schools that are most active in research.

Master 2 EA : Rules of the exam evaluation

lcollin — 2016-12-30T23:11:00Z

Summary of the main M2EA academic rules. This is an approximate translation which summarizes the legal rules of the Exam Regulation (“Règlement du Contrôle des Connaissances”) aimed at students who do not read French. However, the original set of rules in French are the only ones that apply, and the only ones on which administrative decisions will be taken.

Master 2 EA : Content of the courses

Idefferrard — 2016-12-30T23:10:00Z

The content of the courses for is available here

1st term, September to December

Choice and Decision Theory (Peter Vida)
Microeconomic theory of individual decision making in the settings of consumption and production decisions. General Equilibrium,
introductory examples.

Econometrics I : Fundamentals of Econometric Theory (Olivier Donni)
Finite Sample Properties of Ordinary Least Squares. Large Sample Properties with
andom Sampling. Instrumental Variable Methods. Maximum Likelihood Methods. Topics in Time Series.

Mathematics for Economics (Marius Ochea and Marcus Pivato)
A brief review of the essential mathematical concepts and notation most likely to be encountered in economic theory. Topics include : Single-variable and multivariate calculus. The algebra of vectors and matrices. Unconstrained and constrained optimization (Lagrange and Kuhn-Tucker). Difference equations. Dynamic optimization. Topology of Euclidean space (convergence, continuity, compactness). Convex sets. Correspondences. Fixed point theorems and applications to the existence of Nash or Walrasian equilibria. Differential equations (time permitting).

Macroeconomics I : Growth and overlapping generation model (Olivier Charlot)(starts in October)
The Solow growth model. Empirical investigations on economic growth/growth and human capital. Optimal growth : the Ramsey growth model. The OLG model. Endogenous growth, AK model. Endogenous technical change.

Microeconomics I : Choice under Uncertainty and Game Theory (Gabriel Desgranges)(starts in October)
Risk and Uncertainty. Decision under uncertainty. General Equilibroum under uncertainty. Main concepts and tools of game theory.

Applications of Econometrics I (Guillaume Chapelle)(10 hours)
Applications of Econometrics I to real data using Python, Stata and R : simple linear regression, ordinary linear regression, randomized controlled trial, multiple linear regression on cross-sectional data, multiple linear regression on panel data.

2nd term, January to March

Macroeconomics II : Fluctuations (Frédérique Bec)
Overview of current economic fluctuations theories, with a special focus on the inflation-unemployment tradeoff from Dynamic Stochastic General Equilibrium (DSGE) models. Resolution and simulation, qualitative and quantitative evaluations of such models under rational expectations hypothesis. Analysis of optimal stabilization policies.

Microeconomics II : Welfare Economics and Markets failures (Wilfried Sand-Zantman and Marcus Pivato)
The two welfare theorems and possible market failures. Asymmetric information among the market participants and the problem of achieving efficiency. Corrections of these different market failures.

Applications of Econometrics II (Guillaume Chapelle and Maëlys de la Rupelle)
An applied course that relies on statistical softwares. Specific identification techniques used in the empirical literature (e.g., Propensity Score Matching, Differences in Differences, Regression Discontinuity Design and Natural Experiments). Nonlinear regression (using binary Probit/Logit/Poisson models and machine learning algorithms), Autoregressive models. Simple linear regression on time series (CAPM model with heteroskedasticity tests and tests for the autocorrelation of the error term). Examples using datasets, notably those from articles published in the best scientific journals.

One course among 2 described below :

One course is to be chosen among 2 described below.

Microeconometrics (Pierre André)
The econometrics of cross-section and panel data. Linear and non-linear econometric models, continuous and discrete dependent variables. Instrumental variable estimators, linear panel data estimators, models for discrete dependent variables and sampleselection models.

Time Series Analysis (Roberto Reno)
Stationary time-series and non-stationary multivariate processes (structural and reduced-form). A typology of linear dynamic timeseries models and, concept of cointegration, with applications to dynamic systems of equilibrium-correction relations. Modeling and forecasting macroeconomic and financial systems. and study of state-space models.

2 elective courses among any of the three specializations below :

Industrial Organization

Industrial Organization (Sara Biancini et Thomas Trégouët)
Main techniques and themes of Industrial Organization : strategic behavior of firms, market competition, competition and antitrust policy.

Empirical Industrial Organization (Régis Renault and Andras Niedermayer)
Structural empirical models in Industrial Organization. Demand modeling in IO and their applications, analysis of structural estimation of auction models, regulation, asymmetric information models and entry models.

International Economics

International Trade (Pamela Bombarda)
Traditional and more recent theories of international trade. Ricardian and Hecksher Ohlin models, extension to many goods and factors. Models of trade with imperfect competition. Gravity equations. Trade from the point of view of individual firms.

Research Topics in International Trade and Heterogeneous Firms (Giordano Mion)
The purpose is to provide an understanding of cutting-edge research topics in the field of International Trade with a specific focus on heterogeneous firms and micro data analyses.

Public Economics

Public Economics (Pascal Belan, Laurence Jacquet)
Provision of public goods. Taxation and its impact on economic behavior (e.g., labor supply, savings decisions), economic equilibrium (tax incidence), under informational imperfections and other distortions. Analysis of indirect taxation, taxation of capital, nonlinear taxation of income. This course combines theoretical models with empirical evidence.

Environmental Economics
This course introduces students to how economic analysis can be used to understand current environmental issues. Lectures include applications (applied theory and empirics) to economic development and environmental degradation, the economics of biodiversity, and energy.

Labor Economics
Themes in modern labor economics, focus on microeconomic models and empirical research with relevant policy implications. The role of human capital accumulation, wage determinants, education economics and labor supply. Discussion of some macroeconomic issues about employment and unemployment.

3nd term, April to June

Master's Thesis
The master's thesis is a piece of original scholarship, written under the direction of a faculty advisor, on a relevant topic in economics the student is interested in. Students are strongly advised to find a supervisor by the beginning of the academic year. Meetings with professors to discuss possible topics will be organized.

Research seminar I : Professors seminar (Laurence Jacquet)
The role of this seminar is to develop critical thinking skills through active participation and writing of referee reports by students. Students will have to write a referee report on (at least) one of the papers presented at seminars. By the end of the term, students must be able to read a research paper, to know how to replace it in the literature, how to identify its strengths and weaknesses and to write an effective referee report.

Research seminar II : Students seminar (Laurence Jacquet)
The objective of this seminar is to develop students' oral skills and ability to present research papers, as well as to develop critical thinking through the discussion of other students' presentations. Each student makes several presentations to other students and professors. He/she presents some research papers related to the topic of his/her master thesis and focuses on his/her own research subject and methodology.

Master 2 EA : Application

Idefferrard — 2016-12-30T23:08:00Z

Applications for 2023-2024 are open

Deadline for application : June 16th, 2023.
Be aware that the deadline for M2EA excellence scholarships' application is 5th of May, 2023. The International students who must apply via Campus France should keep in mind that Campus France's deadline is usually very early March, see link.

The link to download the application form for the academic year 2023-2024 is here.
The link to download the excellence scholarships' application form for the academic year 2023-2024 is here.

Any student holding a M1 (at CY Cergy Paris University or elsewhere) may apply to the Master 2 in Economic Analysis. Likewise, students who have graduated from a Grande École d'ingénieur ou Grande École de Gestion may apply, as well as students from the ESSEC MBA having completed at least half of the credits for the MBA. Admission decisions are based on the analysis of the student's application material. The student should also have a very good knowledge of English. An English proficiency certificate (TOEFL, TOEIC or IELTS) is required with a minimum CEF level of B2 for all candidates who are not native English speakers or who have not done their previous studies in English. (Here you may find a guide for benchmark scores). As for foreign students, they must have degree equivalent to the French M1, such as a bachelor's degree.A degree in economics is not necessary, but the candidate should have some background in mathematics, since the courses rely heavily on mathematical modelling of economics.

In addition to the application through this site, foreign students from outside the European Union, holding a foreign degree, must also follow the instructions in the website : Inscription des étudiants étrangers.

Be aware that the deadline for Campus France countries is usually at the end of February or very early in March

Master 2 EA : Scolarships

Idefferrard — 2016-12-30T23:07:00Z

Applications for 2023-2024 scholarships are now open

Grants are available. The M2 Economic Analysis program provides several scholarships for excellent students :

The CY Cergy Paris University Merit-Based Scholarships and the LABEX excellence scholarships with deadline the 5th of May, 2023.

Download the application form here.

Instructions :
Both the CY Cergy Paris University Merit-Based Scholarships and the LABEX excellence scholarship amounts to a total of 7,300 euros, paid in ten monthly instalments over the 2023-2024 academic year. The criteria for selection are academic excellence as well as the candidate's potential. A selection committee from CYU will choose the beneficiaries. Those scholarships are open to students who already have a bachelor's degree (or an equivalent level in France) and who are currently in their first year of a Master's degree (M1) or already hold a M1. Those students should be admitted to the M2 EA program hence they should satisfy to all requirements for this program.The selected candidates should confirm their enrolment at CYU and pay their tuition fees (with a deadline in July 2023). Enrolment fees, except social security fees, will be refunded and added to the scholarship.

Master 2 EA : Career opportunities

Idefferrard — 2016-12-30T23:06:00Z

The Master 2 in Economic Analysis offers a number of alternative careers. Among the several options, there are the large international institutions (European Commission, European Central Bank, OECD, IMF, World Bank, WTO, ILO, BIS, Regional Development Banks, etc.), which recruit students at Research Master level. French and foreign governments are also an outlet. Finally, the private sector, in particular the financial sector, is another option, since economists are capable of guiding major strategic choices.

Finally, the students most interested in academic research may continue into the PhD program to be able to pursue a career in universities, research institutions (CNRS, INRA, OFCE, etc..) or in Business Schools in France or abroad. The Master prepare students to follow a doctoral program in economics, in the fields of industrial organization, international economics, public economics, environmental economics, labor economics, development economics, macro and microeconomics. Students pursuing a PhD will be part of THEMA. They may also apply to the "Ph.D. in Economics", which is a program in partnership between ESSEC and CY Cergy Paris Université. The Master 2 corresponds to the first of the 2 years of courses within the PhD program. After that, the student's time is devoted to the thesis research.

Placement
60% of M2 EA graduates continue in Ph.D. (several apply for the CY doctoral program and 2nd year of the ESSEC PhD), 20% join the private sector (mainly in banks, insurance companies and consulting e.g., BNP-Paribas, Deloitte, Société Générale, 3M), 10% join the public and semi-public sector (e.g. French and foreign Ministries) and 10% national and international organization (e.g., Central Banks, FAO, World Bank).

Master 2 EA : Housing assistance

Idefferrard — 2016-12-30T23:05:00Z

Please, carefully read https://www.cyu.fr/se-loger where you will find detailled information regarding accommodation.
Students who are awarded an excellence grant from CY Cergy Paris Université or from Labex will be given some help from CROUS to find housing (usually in a students residence). Foreign students will receive help from the international relations service regarding travel and accommodation.

Foreign students (including those from the EU) may be eligible for assistance from the Caisse d'allocations familiales (CAF, family allowances programme), in particular for housing. CAF housing help comes in two forms : APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement for subsidised lodgings) and ALS (Allocation Logement à caractère Social) in accordance with set criteria (minimum surface of 9m² for one person and minimum comfort). If you are the lease holder, whether of a room, a household, a shared rent, or an apartment, you may be eligible for housing assistance.

In order to access such assistance, please fill in the form that fits your situation :
• If you come from an EU country, print out the CAF form and send it to the CAF office in the area (“département”) where you live.
• If you come from a country outside the EU, print out the CAF form and send it to the CAF office in the area (“département”) where you live. You should join a copy of your valid residence permit (“titre de séjour”) or, if not received yet, the receipt that you have applied for a permit of residence.

Master 2 EA : Accommodation

Idefferrard — 2016-12-30T23:04:00Z

The good news is that renting a flat in Cergy is much less expensive than in the center of Paris. However, you should start looking for accommodation as soon as you know that you are admitted into the program. The best flats are rented very quickly.
You should know in advance that many papers can be asked (especially to prove that you will not have trouble renting a flat).

Here is a list of websites that target students who search for accommodation : https://www.immojeune.com/
http://www.logement-etudiant.com/

Other general websites :
http://www.pap.fr/ : this website is (mainly) for owners that do not wish to rent their flat through an agency. An advantage is that you avoid paying agency fees (equivalent to one month rent of the flat you move into)
http://www.seloger.com/

Websites to find a flat to share with other people :
http://www.appartager.com/
https://www.lacartedescolocs.fr/colocations/ile-de-france/paris

A website with owners who rent a room in their house :
https://fr-fr.roomlala.com/

Master 2 EA : FAQ

Idefferrard — 2016-12-30T23:03:00Z

1) I don't speak French : can I apply to the M2 EA ?
Yes, sure. All courses are offered in English.

2) Are there grants available ?
Yes, several grants are available. Please check the link.

3) After the application is sent, is there an interview ?
No. Candidates are admitted exclusively on the basis of their application.

4) Is there a distance learning option or an evening program ?
The M2 EA is a full-time program. There is neither distance learning option, nor evening program.

5) I am a foreign student, where can I find information on the application process depending on the country I come from ?
Information is available at "bureau d'accueil des étudiants étrangers", click here.